Tag: Funk

Imagination "Just An Illusion" (1982) on 13thStreetPromotions.com #UK #Jamaica #Windrush #WindrushDay #WindrushGeneration #RandB #Funk #13thStreetPromotions #Music #Imagination #JustAnIllusion #OldiesSunday #oldies #OldSchool #Throwback #Caribbean #1982

OLDIES SUNDAY: Imagination – Just An Illusion (1982)

Posted on by swadedavillain

June 22 is recognized in the UK as “Windrush Day“. “Windrush” refers to the generation of African-Caribbean people who emigrated to the UK post World War II (WWII) to assist with recovery efforts, and much more. “Windrush” also refers to the HMT Windrush Empire Ship that transported these migrants. June 22 is a day that honours that generation, and was introduced in 2018 by British Social Commentator/Political Activist of Jamaican heritage, Patrick Vernon. Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we want to highlight music from the children of the “Windrush Generation“. We go back to the 80s to check out UK band Imagination, and their single, “Just An Illusion“.

Produced by Tony Swain and Steven Jolley, a.k.a. Jolley & Swain, and released through R&B Records in 1982, “Just An Illusion” was a song about having a need to experience things and situations that were just dreams before. The Funk/R&B single featured harmonizing notes, solid production that instantly grabbed the listener, and a vibe that had everyone dancing. Comprised of Leee John, Errol Kennedy, and Ashley Ingram, these were children of the “Windrush Generation” whose parents emigrated from Jamaica (Kennedy was born there), and St. Lucia (Leee John). “Just An Illusion” became the biggest hit for Imagination, climbing to the #2 spot on the UK Singles chart, topping the charts in Spain, and becoming top ten hits in France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and West Germany. The single also enjoyed Gold and Silver certifications, and was included in the soundtrack for the 1986 Film, “F/X“, along with their 1982 album, “In The Heat Of The Night“. “Just An Illusion” would later be sampled by P.M. Dawn, Mariah Carey, The Pharcyde, Destiny’s Child, and Cormega.

Since the release of “Just An Illusion”, Imagination would go on to enjoy some more success with the release of more music. The band would split in 1987 and include new members, but their popularity decreased, and they called it quits in 1992 after releasing their final album. Leee John would go into acting, Ashley Ingram would enjoy success as a Songwriter, and Errol Kennedy would perform under a new version of Imagination named ImagiNation feat. Errol Kennedy. The “Windrush Generation” introduced new cultures and sounds to Europe, and children of that generation like members of Imagination, would help to boost the musical economy.

Thank You Imagination For This Classic!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Imagination – Just An Illusion (1982)” →

"American Fiction" Film on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Hollywood #Music #Jamaica #Film #Movie #13thStreetPromotions #AmericanFiction #JeffreyWright #TraceeEllisRoss #SterlingKBrown #SonyaSpence #LetLoveFlowOn #ManchesterJamaica #Manchester #Caribbean

Sonya Spence’s “Let Love Flow On” Featured In “American Fiction” Film

Posted on by swadedavillain

It’s awards season, and if you’re in Music or Film, chances are you’re one of the people who is a part of an award-nominated creation. One award show many look forward to is the 96th Academy Awards. One of the Films up for a few awards is “American Fiction“. “American Fiction” stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown, and it focuses on a Novelist/Professor named Thelonious “Monk” Ellison (Wright) who out of frustration, wrote a satirical book on stereotypical Black people, that turned out becoming a success which has good and bad outcomes. The Film was released in December 2023 in Theatres, but was made available digitally on February 6. The Film features a selection of music that was played throughout, but in an important scene, a song from Jamaica was the soundtrack.

During a Wedding scene in “American Fiction”, “Let The Love Flow On” by the late Sonya Spence was featured. Produced by Sonia Pottinger and released through High Note Records in 1981, “Let Love Flow On” was a Reggae/Funk/Soul single that got Spence’s name out there. Sonya Spence was an Artist on the rise in the 1970s and 1980s, but her career was sidelined numerous times through a number of ways (You can see our Women’s History Month write up on her and this single here). (Editor’s note: I was happy and saddened by Sonya Spence’s song’s inclusion in the Film. Many Creatives worked hard for moments like these, but some of them never made it this far because they were robbed of it. Her story is truly a sad one. May she rest in peace.)

“American Fiction” is out now on your favourite movie streaming platforms. Will it secure any of the big awards? Stay tuned.

Check out the video below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “Sonya Spence’s “Let Love Flow On” Featured In “American Fiction” Film” →

Alwin Reingoud "Sweet Dream" on 13thStreetPromotions.com #Suriname #Disco #discomusic #music #popmusic #13thStreetPromotions #AlwinReingoud #SweetDream #TikTok #1981 #Caribbean #TjonnaRecords #OldiesSunday

OLDIES SUNDAY: Alwin Reingoud – “Sweet Dream” (1981)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Happy Sunday! Ready to get into some Old School vibes? Today, we’re gonna give you something different. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we head over to Suriname to check out Alwin Reingoud’s “Sweet Dream“!

Produced by Ricardo Tjon Akon and released through Tjonna Records in 1981, we get some Disco Funk vibes on “Sweet Dream”. During a time when other parts of the world wanted Disco to die, the Dutch West Indies showed that they could keep the vibe going with music that kept the people rocking. “Sweet Dream” possessed great production, lyrics, and melodies that the listener can’t help but dance to. “Sweet Dream” was described as a “Disco Killer“, and gained popularity thanks to various DJs playing it. As far as we know, “Sweet Dream” is Alwin Reingoud’s first of two releases, and it was included on a collaborative LP featuring Roy Ooft, and a “Boogie and Disco Funk” compilation. It gained some attention recently on TikTok, and has been considered a rare groove. Ready to boogie? Time to press play.

Thank You Alwin Reingoud For This Classic!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Alwin Reingoud – “Sweet Dream” (1981)” →

OLDIES SUNDAY: The Chosen Few – In The Rain (1972)

Posted on by swadedavillain

While the Caribbean and parts of the world are experiencing rainy days, today’s Oldies Sunday focuses on a different type of rain. Today’s selection comes from the Reggae Band The Chosen Few with the track, “In The Rain“!

Produced by the late King Sporty and released through Micron Music Limited in 1972, this is a cover of The Dramatics’ 1971 hit, and one of a few Reggae versions done. With many references to actual rain, The Chosen Few are speaking about heartbreak and needing to go out in the rain so no one can see them crying. A song for those who have been experiencing breakups and hurt, The Chosen Few delivered something that comforts the listener. King Sporty’s production on this blends Reggae, Funk, and Soul for something really special. The track was featured on The Chosen Few’s 1976 “Night & Day” a.k.a. “The Chosen Few In Miami” album. We featured it last year in our Youtube video titled, “Rainy Day“, feel free to check it out below.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: The Chosen Few – In The Rain (1972)” →

Jamaica Miami King Sporty Thinking Of You Funk Soul Reggae 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPromo 1973 Caribbean Oldies Old School Music Retro

OLDIES SUNDAY: King Sporty – Thinking Of You (1973)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Yesterday (September 19) marked the 77th birthday of the late Singer/Musician/DJ/Producer, King Sporty. A man who was never afraid to try new things, he was a man who mastered his craft well, and the world loved him. Today, we salute him on “Oldies Sunday” with the selection, “Thinking Of You“.

Released in 1973 through the Konduko label, it was a more uptempo cover of The Blues Busters’ 1971 track which was produced by the late Byron Lee. King Sporty handled production here as it was a smooth blend of Reggae, Funk, and Soul sounds. On the track, Sporty shares lyrics about a lost love who he misses dearly, how them separating affected him, and pleads they give their relationship another chance. The production was really good on this, and made many believe that Sporty was the original performer of the track. “Thinking Of You” was played at various gigs including the Gusman Hall in Miami, Florida, where King Sporty resided and became a pioneer for the Miami Reggae scene.

Prior to “Thinking Of You”, King Sporty was a DJ for the late “Sir Coxsone” Dodd’s sound system. In the 70s, he became a label owner, performer, and co-wrote the Bob Marley classic, “Buffalo Soldier“. Since the mid-80s, he was married to the late legendary R&B Singer Betty Wright until his death in 2015. “Thinking Of You” was sampled in 2010 by Hip Hop group Fun Lovin’ Criminals for their “Classic Fantastic” track.

Walk good, King Sporty!

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: King Sporty – Thinking Of You (1973)” →

Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders - Make A Joyful Noise Jamaica Music Gospel Music Blog 13thStreetPromotions 13thStreetPromo I Shall Make It Oldies Sunday Oldies 1978 Caribbean Pastor Everton Thomas

OLDIES SUNDAY: Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders – I Shall Make It (1978)

Posted on by swadedavillain

Providing a lil inspiration this Oldies Sunday, we’re going back to Church with Everton Thomas (Now Bishop Everton Thomas) & The Pathfinders! With all the craziness going on, we need a lil peace, and soothing sounds (and other types of sound that keeps you going). Going back to the year 1978, we check out, “I Shall Make It“.

Produced by Everton Thomas and Stephen Stewart, this Gospel track was released through the Growth Label. On the track, the Sextet consisting of Everton, Jenny Tracey, Juliet Thomas, Lorna Otto, Silbert Thomas Jr., and Sharon Thomas, they come together to assure us that no matter how challenging our journey and trials are, GOD is there every step of the way, and we will be taken care of. “I Shall Make It” was featured on the group’s album, “Make a Joyful Noise“, which was released in 1978 (re-released recently), and boasts almost all original material, and Funk, Soul, and Country influences, something that not many Gospel acts would delve into. Fun fact, the album features background vocals from “Jamaica’s Songbird” Karen Smith, and Cleveland Browne, 1/2 of the legendary Production duo, Steely & Clevie (he also played Drums on the album).

Since then, Everton Thomas & the Pathfinders disbanded. Everton went on to deliver God’s word at the Immanuel Apostolic Church, while the others continued to minister to people over the years. Carrying on the legacy of the group is Recording Artist Chris Malachi, who is doing pretty well for himself so far in spreading the Gospel (and talent).

We urge you to stay safe, quarantine wisely, and stay sanitized always.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.

Continue reading “OLDIES SUNDAY: Everton Thomas & The Pathfinders – I Shall Make It (1978)” →